How important is it to know how to fight?

[Lord Avalon]

BTW, I'm shocked that no one said "Poll invalid without banana kung fu option."

[UnOrthOdOx]

Training in a form of martial arts can impart a number of desirable qualities, yes. Least among them, however, is the knowledge of "how to fight".

I was in a fair few fights at a school age. In adulthood, I've been in a fight situation twice.

The first, the person attempting to mug me decided it was a better idea to leave us alone.

The second, I've always found that when confronted by several individuals, taking out the person doing the talking tends to disrupt the other's willingness to get involved.

[Blaupanzer]

Better to know how and never need to, than to need to and not know how.

I said "very important" for precisely the reason above. If people know you can and you will if pushed, most of the time they won't push. Just because fighting should be the last resort, you shouldn't be without that option if you get there.

[Maniac]

Primary target = groin

You could also hit the forehead, nose, chin, veins to the brain, sternum, ribs, abdomen, kidneys, knees, the sides of the leg just above the knees, etc...

[Blaupanzer]

For the most part, being able to fight won't get you noticed by the fairer sex unless you fight them which is called "abuse." Not a good way to be noticed. Folks who do notice if you fight a lot are called policemen and they have little sense of humor and lots of pent-up violence. Do not test this theory.

[Pekka]

Not sure. I would feel more comfortable if I knew my kid knew how to fight, preferably mixed martial arts as well. However, it depends on the kid, I mean if he/she is a total idiot, this might launch them into fights they wouldn't have otherwise gotten into.

So it's a double thingie, yes, learn how to fight but more importantly learn how to stay away from them.

But it's like Ben says, there are two types of people when it comes to fighting. Most are scared and think all the horrible ways they'll get beaten. And the rest are scared but think about what to do to the other one. And that's the big difference. The rest is all heart. It is to function in a situation of danger and not freeze up and immobilize yourself. If you have to fight, it is better to fight hard and well. THis means, if you're going to get it, it's better to not get beaten too badly.

As long as it's not a thing where the kid learns to fight well, and then because of that becomes a bully. That's the biggest no no in my books. Then you just created a new ******* to the world to torment others.

THere are bigger things to learn. Like for example, that you can defend yourself. And you should defend yourself, don't let others dictate how you should live, walk or what clothes you should wear. Don't let them get to you. If they threaten, then defend yourself. Win or lose, you stood up for yourself and that's what really counts later in life. To acknowledge certain level of fear, to accept it, and to keep appreciating yourself and be strong headed, to go for the things you want to go, to go for the dreams you have and not let others pressure or threaten you with violence. To feel comfortable in that zone is the lesson I want my kids to learn. Not necessarily to fight per se, but to be able to walk their own line, and not back down from their dreams, not give bullies any more ammunition, but to stand up for yourself and handle fear.

[Lord Avalon]

Teaching a kid how to fight doesn't necessarily create a bully. Bullies are cowards at heart, and because they're afraid, they want to make other people afraid. And of course they'll try and pick on smaller kids, as they think they're easier targets.

[Ben Kenobi]

And you claim to be a christian

I wasn't then.

I've not been in a fight, oh, I'd say for 15 years now.

[ZEE]

I wasn't then.

I've not been in a fight, oh, I'd say for 15 years now.

I, for one, commend you for sacrificing your Mike Tyson-like punching skills, and controlling your Atomic Bomb-like inner rage to be in service to Our Lord.

Don't let them get you down, Ben... you might hurt them too bad

[Supr49er]

And you wouldn't like Ben when he's angry.

[Sirotnikov]

Training in a form of martial arts can impart a number of desirable qualities, yes. Least among them, however, is the knowledge of "how to fight".

couldn't agree more

The second, I've always found that when confronted by several individuals, taking out the person doing the talking tends to disrupt the other's willingness to get involved.

very true.

you take out the alpha male, and the rest cower.

[onodera]

couldn't agree more

Huh? Weren't it your people who invented krav maga?

[Sirotnikov]

yeah. what does it have to do with anything?

yes, krav maga has much less idealist bull**** and more ways to make your opponent sorry.

but what ever martial art you learn, you get in return: fitness, self control and discipline, and a major boost to self confidence.

[Blaupanzer]

Krav maga?? What is??

[Timexwatch]

Krav maga?? What is??

Jew Kung-fu. It's very effective in messing up your opponent.

As for the original question, it's good to learn how to defend yourself enough to hold a guy off. There's no sense in being able to absolutely demolish a guy when you can learn to control him and then let him tire himself out. Most people don't have the stamina to fight for more than one or two minutes, so all you'll need to is hold on, keep him under control and wait for the cops.